1461 —הדרכה להעברת כפר חב"ד ושמירת אחדות הקהילה

B"H, 20 Adar, 5712.

Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letters describing the situation in which the Agency is proposing and pressuring you to move your settlement to a new location several kilometers away, where they will build a new village for you with residential houses and necessary public buildings such as a synagogue, study hall, school, mikvah, etc., and in the new place each home will be adjacent to its own field. However, there is not yet a road nearby (even though building such a road is part of the government's urgent plans). It is understood that all residents of the new village will need to engage in agriculture and related work such as raising livestock. You ask my opinion on how to respond to this proposal since there are disagreements among Anash of the village; some work outside the village, and in the new location transportation will be more difficult than it is now.

Additionally, agricultural work is very demanding—almost impossible for one person alone without help from family members—and not all families have this possibility for various reasons. My opinion (as a suggestion) is: A) You should do everything possible so that even though the Agency demands an agricultural settlement, it should be arranged at your current location (by giving you fields surrounding your present village or similar). In my view, it is extremely important that the settlement remain where it currently is because every time people are moved from place to place something gets broken or lost. You have a strong claim: since the Agency itself settled you here and you have already become accustomed to the place and made improvements as well as established your lives and connections with Tel Aviv accordingly—the Agency has responsibility to keep its word and provide everything needed for an agricultural settlement at your current location specifically. They should not force you to move again after so many exiles nor deprive you of rights promised as an agricultural settlement if you cannot move to their proposed new village.

I estimate that some people—due to reasons I consider incorrect—will act weakly even if they try as above. Therefore I emphasize again: in my view it is very important to do everything possible so everyone remains together as one group in your current place with all rights due an agricultural settlement. I am confident that Mr. Shazar, Mr. Gelman, and also Mr. Shragai upon his return will assist you in these efforts; but I hope that if you stand firm on this demand (that this was how the Agency originally settled you), you will succeed even without their help.

B) If despite my assumptions and all proper effort you do not succeed in your just demand above, then strive for Kfar Chabad settlements in both places—your current location and also at the new site. If there are not enough Anash families to be a decisive majority in both settlements, try appropriately to bring more suitable immigrants or veteran residents who will settle in either Kfar Chabad (current or new), ensuring both places operate according to Chabad spirit.

It goes without saying that if some must settle at each site, those who must maintain constant connection with Tel Aviv should remain at your present location; the village committee should discuss each detail and decide accordingly.

Note: Efforts to bring more suitable people—both immigrants and veterans—are necessary regardless; it is worthwhile investing energy here. But if forced into two locations, increasing Anash numbers becomes even more crucial.

C) If what I wrote above proves impossible by any means (though then it would only be due to weak effort), then if forced to move everyone must delay relocation as much as possible (without causing harm regarding support etc.). The salvation of Hashem comes instantly; perhaps eventually things can be arranged as described above or at least per section B.

I repeat before signing: efforts must focus on demanding all rights promised when originally settled at your present location; thus it is up to the Agency to find ways for both matters—to maintain both conditions—without forcing another move.

Blessings that Hashem continue peace among you all so everyone succeeds physically and spiritually together according to our Nasi's wishes—the Rebbe Rayatz zatzal.

Summary

The Rebbe urges unity and persistence for Kfar Chabad's residents: strive first to remain together at their current site with full rights; if not possible, expand wisely while preserving Chabad values; only relocate as a last resort—and always act with determination.